A home for fleas, a hive for bees

I started growing my hair out the minute Eric proposed to me. Wellll, I guess technically it had been growing for some time prior to that as well. Nonethess, despite my deeply-rooted desires to be a short-haired girl, I've always wanted to be a long-haired bride.

A while back I was inspired by Katherine Heigl in 27 dresses and her traditional yet modern (hello, huge flower) up-do.

source

After picking out my dress at the designer, the internal debate over a fresh or faux hair flower began. I ended up finding a beauty at Michael's and after a little work, I think it'll be great for the big day.

Here's the breakdown.

First, I pulled the head off the super long stem. It all came off in one piece. Then, I carefully removed the little plastic holder on the base and took off about 6 or 7 petals. I didn't want the flower to be so big. There was a little bit of glue on the remaining petals but I picked it off.

I also took the stamen out of the center briefly and picked the yellowish felt applique that made it look pollinated... or something. Gross. Now the stamen just blended in with the petals.

Then I replaced the plastic holder and the under leaves. Finally, with a little super glue, I attached one of the leaves from further down on the stem.

My flower was pretty much complete. The only problem was the there wasn't anything substantial to actually put in my hair to hold it in place.

I poked a push pin through the small plastic "stem" (or what was left of it).

Next, I inserted a paper clip (however, I would recommend wire. I just don't have any on-hand).

After twisting the paper clip, I wrapped the base in brown floral tape and secured it with glue. Ta-da! I get to try it out at my first fitting in two weeks. Hope it stays in!

my body can't take this pressure

A few weeks ago at our weekly staff meeting, or ME Tricia Jo was running through budgets and I had picked up a couple stories but wanted something more that I could really sink my teeth into.

If you know me, you probably know I love planning and organizing and I LOVE being in charge. Thus, I took on the job to plan and coordinate two photoshoots. Yup. For the cover and an inside double truck with products. Similar to the shopping guide Metro featured in the Dec. issue.

Add on the monthly launch party, the original articles, my job at Bath and Body and alas, I was much too busy, even for me.

Oh, and lest I forget, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Heather Day (now, Contreras) got married last weekend in Yakima! I was so thrilled and honored to be asked to join her bridal party and going home was a nice break from the grind. However, as giddy as I was to help her celebrate her big day, I was still thinking in the back of my mind about all I had to do at work.

With only one day left until I leave for FLORIDA, I still have a brief interview to conduct, an article to write and a few hours to put in at B&B. Nonetheless, the photoshoots are OVER and I am quite pleased. The cover turned out beautifully and the shoot today went off without a hitch. When the products get returned to their rightful owners tomorrow -and I get the kayak off the top of my Corolla (yup! the other intern got a canoe on top of her Jetta)- I will be able to breathe even more easily.

I don't know how it always gets done in time, but it does.

Oh, and the publisher seemed rather impressed that I pulled it off ;-)

My new favorite piece of jewelry...

Holy cow. So soo much has happened since my last post and I apologize for the delay. I have HUGE news.

I'M ENGAGED!

Eric Alexander LaPlante proposed to me on May 7, 2009 at Lawson Gardens in Pullman, WA. He had prepared a scavenger hunt for me for my birthday surprise and the anticipation was thick.

Over a month beforehand, I went to Sam Dial Jewelers with a good friend of mine, Stephanie. It was the first time I'd ever looked at engagement rings but I had a feeling the day was approaching so I picked one on the spot. My grandfather had given my mother my grandmother's wedding ring set and she graciously gave it to me so Eric and I could use the center diamond on my set. Eric then went into SDJ with Steph and she helped him pick out the same ring.

The scavenger hunt was around Pullman with stops which held sentimental value for us: the place where we had our first good conversation, the library, the park where he asked me to be his girlfriend, and finally our favorite park in Pullman. Though there were clues along the way, He was at the very end and I knew what was coming. As I walked up, I noticed he was wearing a handsome blue shirt and tie with dress pants and was looking so good.

He held my hands and started in with something mushy. I'm not going to lie and say I remember what he said becuase I certainly do not. It was at this point that everything hit me and I started crying. He got down on one knee, visibly confused about the crying. After composing myself, I nodded that I did indeed want to marry him, followed by a verbal afirmative. The ring was perfect and means so much to us because I can have a piece of my grandma and her marriage with me.

April snowstorms bring May vacations

My roommate Jae Young has chicken pox. I'm trying to take care of her like a good mama roommate.

And it's still snowing in Pullman. I wish Spring would come but it looks like we might just rush into Summer instead. As if the last 5 weeks weren't hard enough.

My mom's coming to Pullman on Friday for my last mom's weekend :-(. We have a gambit of activities planned. Eric's mom's coming to WSU as well, but she will be visiting for the FIRST TIME EVER. Hope it goes well ;-)

Eric's sister got engaged to Roger last week as well! Congratulations Jackie!

So much going on but still so many unknowns.